Rumors about the Galaxy S27 have started coming out, and it appears that Samsung is going to have several significant camera upgrades. While some of those may lead to major cosmetic differences, one important upgrade to the main camera of the Galaxy S27 Ultra may not be so obvious.
Galaxy S27 Ultra may get a variable aperture lens
We’ve already heard that the Galaxy S27 Ultra may have a new 200MP camera sensor, but Weibo leaker Smart Pikachu has shared (source in Chinese) new details about the flagship’s main camera. Alongside the new sensor, Samsung may also feature a lens with a variable aperture.
The leaker doesn’t share any more details about the specifications of the camera, but they say that Huawei is also running similar trials. If that claim turns out to be true, we could see a variable aperture lens in front of an ultra high resolution sensor for the first time.
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Which Galaxy S27 Ultra camera upgrade do you think would be most important?
A new camera trend
On the surface, it could sound like Samsung is once again answering to rumors about Apple’s plans. Recent leaks have suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro may feature a variable aperture main camera for the first time.
However, the Galaxy S27 Ultra would be far from the first time we’ve seen the tech inside a Samsung phone. The company’s Galaxy S9 was the first smartphone from a major brand to offer the feature back in 2018.
Samsung may have another major change for its Ultra flagship in store. | Image by PhoneArena
Since then, we’ve seen phones from various other companies, including Oppo, Sony, Honor, and Xiaomi, adopt the technology. Huawei has been using variable aperture lenses on many of its flagship phones in the last few years.
A big year for the Galaxy S27 Ultra
The variable aperture is only one of the significant camera upgrades that are rumored for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The flagship may get an upgraded main sensor with LOFIC technology, which would improve its dynamic range, and lose the 3x zoom camera.
Samsung is also rumored to use a much larger 200MP sensor than before. If that’s true, the effect of the variable aperture could be more meaningful and pronounced than on devices with smaller sensors, such as the iPhone 18 Pro.
What a coincidence
While it’s true that Samsung has used the technology before, I can’t get over the feeling that its revival is prompted by Apple. After the Galaxy S25 Edge and the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, it’s difficult to believe that we’re talking about coincidences. I don’t think that matters very much, but I’d love to see Samsung following its own way a bit more.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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